because NYC is one of the most versitile and tolerant cities in the world making room for all beings, both two and four legged. Let's not eliminate this almost 20 year off-leash priviledge that benefits dogs and people alike. And let's also stay alert and respect the park by adhering to the no off-leaash zones, and by picking up after our dogs.
Off-leash socialization reduces aggressive behavior in dogs, makes parks safer and offers the city's 1.4 million dogs a place to play in a city that offers only 50 dog-runs.
I am in support of this petition. This is a privilege given to dog owners and it is the responsibility of each one of us not to abuse the current rule as it stands. I have seen no evidence that the rule should be changed after twenty years. The owners appreciated and respect it and the dogs need it.
Dog ownership responsibility lies with the dog owner. There isn't a vicious breed out there unless the owner trains it that way. I strongly support this petition!
I feel it makes Central Park safer because many people are out with their dogs early in the morning.
I believe the number of dog attacks went down with the advent of off-leash hours in CP.
while I don't have a dog, allowing dogs to roam free late at night makes it more difficult for menacing people to hide and wait for a victim. In fact didn't an offleash dog help thwart a rape in central park about six months ago? In short - offleash dogs make parks safer after dark.
because I love the fact that my dog and other dogs can run around, exercise and play with each other. We're not asking for much, just a few hours of the day to allow ours dogs to play without the restriction of a leash!
It seems to me that having just a few hours a day in designated locations to keep the city's dog population healthy should be a given. The 20-year off-leash hours policy is a proven and successful public health policy that should be preserved!
Don't take away such an important privelage for our dogs who need the time to run and play freely with other dogs! It is so vital to the millions of NYC residents and their pets to keep this system in place.
Since becoming a NYC resident 4 years ago, I have been amazed at the success of the offleash hours. My dog is happier here than she was when we lived in NC, simply because every day she is guaranteed time to run and stretch her legs in the park with other dogs. It also give me the time to socialize with people in my community I might not ever have an opportunity to meet. In essence, the offleash policy is a boon to everyone - people and dogs alike and I have never seen anything but the positive effects it has on everyone's quality of life. Don't take away a program that has been working immensely well for 20 years!
I love the idea of off-leash hours to allow my dog the freedom to run and get exercise. Healthier and happier dogs make for better behavior in our small NY apts, and better relationships with neighbors!
The city must provide exercise possibilities for all dogs in all parks. To do any less dooms them to health problems and possibly more agressive behavior.
We have such small apartments, our dogs need excercise! They need to expel energy and become social so that they learn to be friendly. We need off leash hours!
I strongly support the rights of pet owners to have their dogs off leash in the NYC Parks from 9pm until 9am.
1. The parks are safer when they are used by many people and their companion dogs.
2. Until the dog owners began using the parks between the hours of 9pm until 9am, the parks were under utilized. Now they are used by many NYC citizens who are enjoying a high quality of life by using the parks.
3. In the past 20 years the parks all over the city have greatly improved, and a big piece of that is the support of citizens with dogs who use the parks. Dog owners support the parks financially and keep the parks clean and friendly. Dog owners are responsible citizens and pick up after their dogs.
4. Off leash hours promote community relationships, and community networking.
5. Off leash promotes responsible animal ownership, and reduces the city's homeless pet population by creating a community of pet owners who adopt, spay and neuter pets.
6. Off leash hours bring JOY and HAPPINESS to huge numbers of people and their pets. What could be more special than that in NYC?
I support this petition because a healthy and happy dog requires exercise. Responsible owners take the time and care to exercise their dogs. The park should be for EVERYONE to share and part-time off leash hours accomplish this goal.
off-leash dog hours in NYC parks are the best way to balance the needs and interests of all NYC residents and to maximize both communal and individual freedoms to enjoy their parks, respectively. Dog owners should not have to operate in the city as second-class citizens relegated at all times to very restrictive designated areas. Dogs off-leash in parks after dusk hours serve an important and free community policing effort which keeps parks safe at no expense to taxpayers. Persons who are merely offended by dogs off leash must bear that burden as part of the cost of living in a community shared with others. Persons actually injured by a dog off-leash have other legal remedies available which appropriately punish the offending dog and owner without punishing the vast array of innocent and law abiding dog and human citizens.
I feel the hours should be later in the morning for those who can't make it by 9:00 AM but better something then nothing...keep up the good work guys!!!!
Lack of social time for dogs is what makes them mean in the first place. Let's keep our dogs happy and healthy and nice. I say extend the hours don't cut them.
I support this petition because responsible dog ownership includes physical activity and socialization and fosters a sense of community and physical and mental health for both dogs and their owners.
